Though the Lake Hopatcong Station served as an impressive entry point to the lake for decades, the building was allowed to decline as rail service diminished in the 1950s. It was finally sold off in the 1970s by then owner Conrail. Over the years, the building was used by such businesses as a real estate office, a hardware store, an interior furnishings store, a furniture restoration shop, and a hobby and gaming store.

But after many years, the old stone building now sat empty and looking rather forlorn. The future of this iconic structure appeared dim as some of the uses being explored by potential buyers of the site included gutting or demolition of the station building. 

It was a chance conversation at a meeting about the Morris Canal Greenway (a trail network being developed across the northern part of New Jersey) that would provide the spark to the station's rebirth. Genie Wiss, who was serving as Roxbury Township’s Land Use Administrator at the time, brought the topic of the train station up to me during a break. We discussed how the building, with plenty of parking and a great location, could serve a wonderful community use. 

I was a member of the board of trustees for the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, which at that time, was just two years old and working out of donated space at Nolan's Point. Having a building to house the organization’s office as well as to host meetings and programming was often discussed by the board but still felt like a dream that was years off for our young organization. 

As Genie and I spoke, we both realized the enormous possibilities this particular building could offer an organization like the Lake Hopatcong Foundation. It was also noted how much this building meant to the lake's history and how badly it needed a viable reuse to save it from the wrecking ball.

By the end of the conversation, Genie had strongly encouraged me (as in "would not take no for an answer”) to contact the realtor handling the listing, Gary Ribe.  Gary was extremely helpful with details about the building and the sale, and I soon found myself bringing the matter to the rest of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation Board of Trustees.

While there was much interest, there was also concern over the magnitude of such a project at this point in our organization’s life.  After several lengthy and very constructive meetings, the board unanimously voted to move forward with the purchase.

The Foundation’s executive director at that time, Jess Murphy, perhaps summed it up best when quoted by the Daily Record, "We are a very young organization, so this was a difficult decision for our board of trustees. But the opportunity to restore a historical structure, create a community center, enhance the Landing 'gateway' area, and establish a permanent space for the Lake Hopatcong Foundation was just too compelling. We are eagerly looking forward to the days when this amazing building is our home, and we are regularly hosting events in this beautiful space." 

The Lake Hopatcong Foundation closed on the station on November 6, 2014. A $30,000 contribution from the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum served as the down payment, the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund contributed nearly half the purchase price through a grant, and the community was incredibly supportive with significant financial contributions for the purchase of the building. Later that month, more than 50 volunteers joined Foundation staff and board members to help clear out debris from the building and the grounds. Despite several cases of poison ivy, it was an incredible first day in the restoration of the Lake Hopatcong Station. Years of work lay ahead, but the dream had begun. 
 

You can learn more about the Lake Hopatcong Station restoration project HERE.

Additional history on the Lake Hopatcong Station and the role it played as a transportation hub can be found HERE.